Welcome to Afungus
Discover the world of fungi and their power for a sustainable future.
Discover the world of filamentous fungi and their potential in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and scientific research. Afungus connects science, nature and community through innovative projects and educational activities.
What we do
We investigate filamentous fungi isolated from weeds in a variety of habitats – from fields and gardens to rivers and coastal areas.
We are developing the application of filamentous fungi and their secondary metabolites as natural biostimulators and biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Through education and citizen science projects, we involve citizens in biodiversity research.
We develop practical tools like the Afungus® Kit, which enables safe and easy learning about fungi at home or in schools.
Why Afungus?
Our mission is to connect scientific discoveries with practical applications, promote nature conservation and inspire new generations of researchers. By participating in our projects, you not only learn, but also actively contribute to the protection of biodiversity.
Why filamentous fungi?
Filamentous fungi are microscopic fungi that grow in the form of threads and colonize a variety of habitats. They are a key source of secondary metabolites, including antibiotics and other bioactive compounds, and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and soil health. Their ability to grow rapidly and adapt makes them ideal models for research in biotechnology and agriculture.
Why weeds?
Weeds are wild plants that are resistant to environmental extremes and have not undergone the process of anthropogenization to the same extent as cultivated plants. It is this resistance that increases the vigor of the microorganisms that inhabit them, making them extremely valuable for research on filamentous fungi and the discovery of bioactive compounds with potential in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
Application of filamentous fungi as biostimulants and biopesticides
Today, there is a growing need for natural plant protection products due to concerns about human health, the environment and pathogen resistance to chemical pesticides. The market for biological products is growing rapidly and is expected to play a key role in sustainable agriculture in the future, as demand for them continues to grow among producers and consumers. Afungus is investigating the application of filamentous fungi as natural biopesticides and biostimulants in sustainable agriculture.
Afungus whale
What does the Afungus® Kit contain?
Afungus® Kit enables safe and educational fungal research at home or in schools. Contains everything needed to collect and isolate fungi from nature:
- Sterile test tubes and bottles with alcohol and sterile water
- Petri dishes and nutrient media for fungal growth
- Sterile sticks and pipettes for working with samples
- Barcode labels for labeling and tracking isolates
- Detailed instructions and guide for identifying and recording results
The kit enables hands-on learning, participation in citizen science projects, and actively contributes to research into the biodiversity of filamentous fungi.
Projects
"Production of biopromoters from endophytic fungi of the genus Fusarium for improving plant growth and resistance - NPOO.C1.1.2.R2-I4.01.0013" funded by Hamag Bicro and the EU
The duration of the aforementioned project is from 01.05.2025 to 31.07.2026.
Join us
Join our research journey and discover the fascinating world of filamentous fungi. Explore, learn and contribute – together we can create a more sustainable future.
Our team
Jelena Ilić
Director
Tina Poštić
student, administrative officer
Maša Pšenica
administrative officer
Co-financed by European Union funds
